Vetting the Cowboy Page 6

  Mike raised his head, his eyes locking onto Seth’s glazed expression. He took the lube and condom Seth handed him and squeezed some of the lube onto his fingers. He eased his way inside Seth’s tight opening, one finger, then two, carefully stretching him in readiness. Mike smiled when Seth wriggled his ass, drawing Mike’s fingers deeper inside him.

  “Like that, huh?”

  “Oh, my God, yes,” Seth blurted.

  Mike sheathed himself then applied more lube before he settled between Seth’s thighs, guiding his cock toward the young cowboy’s eager hole. He pushed forward, breaching Seth’s resistance, but paused when Seth’s body stiffened under him.

  “Okay?”

  “Oh, yeah…” Seth smiled up at him, snaking out the tip of his tongue to lick his lower lip. “Mmm…feels good. I’d forgotten just how good it could feel.” He reached up and wound his arms around Mike’s neck, pulling him down for a long, loaded kiss, the effect giving impetus to the rocking rhythm Mike had begun. Their lips and tongues meshed, and as each deep thrust quickened in tempo, they both moaned into each other’s mouths.

  It had been a long time since Mike had enjoyed sex like this. The sensation of holding this strong, virile young man in his arms, the sweet passion of his kisses, the taste and scent of him crowded his senses and started to carry him over the edge. He could tell by the way Seth was gasping into his mouth, his chest heaving with exertion, that he was close to coming.

  And yes, he exulted, reaching for and gripping Seth’s pulsing erection, this is how it should be. So fucking incredible that I don’t want it to ever end. Mike echoed Seth’s shout that sounded a lot like triumph when Seth coated both their torsos with hot cum.

  “Mike, Mike…oh my fucking God, that was, that was…” The rest was muffled when Mike clamped his mouth over Seth’s and kissed him through his own orgasm as he emptied himself into the condom buried deep inside Seth.

  They lay locked in each other’s arms, trading soft kisses. “You feel amazing inside me,” Seth whispered. “Don’t pull out yet.” He clenched his ass muscles around the base of Mike’s cock, causing him to groan and bite Seth’s neck.

  “Could stay in you all night.”

  “At least stay with me all night,” Seth said, kissing his chin.

  “Can’t.” He heaved a long sigh. “Gotta go, Seth. But this was a little slice of heaven. Thank you.”

  Seth chuckled. “Thanking me for what was all my pleasure.”

  “Not all, I can assure you. It’s been a long time since I actually enjoyed having sex.”

  “Sounds like there’s more to what you told me earlier.”

  “A lot more, I’m afraid, but I’m not going to ruin our time together by going into it. Another time, maybe.” He kissed Seth’s lips then rolled off the bed.

  Seth watched him pad to the bathroom to dispose of the condom and couldn’t resist giving a low whistle of admiration while he gazed at Mike’s perfectly shaped ass. Maybe I can get some of that if I ask real nice…

  “I’ll pay Bonney another visit tomorrow,” Mike said when he came back. “Will you be there?”

  “I’ll make a point of it. Oh, we do have the new customers, so I’m not sure what Parker will have me doing.”

  “I’ll look for you.” Mike leaned in for another kiss then started pulling on his briefs and jeans.

  “Hate to see you cover that beauty up,” Seth said wistfully.

  “Hate to leave, really.” He got up and retrieved his glasses from the kitchen counter. How about you and me going out on a date sometime this week?”

  “I’d like that.”

  “Okay. We’ll talk later about what night and where we want to go and all that good stuff.”

  Seth pulled on his briefs to walk Mike to the door. They paused for another kiss, a long one this time, a hint of hunger there, along with some frustration that their night together was over. Mike whispered, “G’night,” and slipped out of the door. Seth figured, despite the fact it had all been too short and sweet, that he hadn’t felt this good in a long, long time.

  Chapter Six

  Things settled down quite a bit as the new week began. The four men Royce had introduced Seth to on barbecue night—James, Paul, Norman and Miguel—proved to be amiable and eager to learn. Norman, Seth discovered, had already been to another dude ranch in Wyoming and had picked up a thing or two about riding, but was happy to keep pace with his buddies and not show off.

  Between Seth and Clint’s patient training, the guys were soon riding well enough to go out on the trail that led around the Double R, a seven or so mile stretch that was smooth enough for them to gain confidence. At the end of their first day, the guys were exhilarated and, even if a little saddle sore, didn’t complain while they were shown how to store their horse’s gear and brush them down.

  “And that, my buddy Seth, is a miracle in itself,” Clint said, chuckling after he had congratulated the men and sent them off to their cabins. “After Harold’s bitchin’ and complainin’ about near everyfuckingthing, these guys are a dream.”

  Seth nodded. “I hear you.”

  “By the way…” Clint clapped Seth’s shoulder. “I couldn’t help but notice how into you our new veterinarian was the other day. You got something goin’ on there?”

  “Uh…” Seth’s face grew hot under Clint’s unyielding gaze. “Well, he’s real nice, but…”

  “But nothin’. I could tell you like him—even Sherry noticed. He seems like a good guy, so give him a chance.”

  “Jeez, Clint, how red are you fixin’ to make my face?”

  Clint laughed. “Your face says it all, Seth, my boy. You’ve done it with him, haven’t you?”

  “Clint…jeez, don’t go spreading that kind of thing around!”

  “Of course not. But why would you care? Everyone around here’s gay. I sometimes feel like the Lone Ranger…the lonely straight guy.”

  Seth couldn’t help laughing. “What a crock. You’re not the only straight guy here, and you have Sherry. I’d say you were a real lucky Lone Ranger.”

  “Okay, so back to you and Doctor Mike. How was he?”

  “I am not talking to you about that, for heaven’s sake.” He strode toward the stable door and ran straight into the man in question. “Mike…what are you doin’ here?”

  Mike frowned. “I told you I’d be by to check on Bonney. Why are you so surprised?”

  “Oh, yeah…that. Sorry, I forgot.” Seth cleared his throat. “It’s been a long day.”

  Mike lowered his voice. “I made it my last call so I might see you, but…”

  “No, that’s great. It’s good to see you.”

  “You’re acting kinda nervous.” Mike glanced at Clint, who was watching them with apparent interest. “Well, I’ll just take a look at Bonney, then I’ll be on my way, I guess.”

  “Wait, I’ll give you a hand. Clint’s just leaving, aren’t you?” Seth gave Clint a hard look.

  “Right. Guess I’ll leave you two love-birds alone. See you later, guys.” Whistling a merry tune, he strolled out of the stable.

  “You told him about last night?” Mike asked through tight lips.

  “No, of course not.”

  “Then why did he refer to us as love-birds?”

  “He’s just being an ass. He likes to razz me sometimes, but he’s a good friend really.”

  Mike stared at him for several seconds then walked away and went into Bonney’s stall.

  “Are you mad at me?” Seth asked.

  “No.” Mike sighed and turned to look at Seth. “I would’ve liked for us to get to know each other better before other people knowing about us.”

  “Knowing what? That we had sex once?” Seth could have bit his tongue off when he caught Mike’s hurt expression.

  “I was hoping for more, Seth. Anyway…” Mike knelt by Bonney and removed the pad and dressing from her hoof. He made a sound of approval and Seth knelt at his side.

  “You’re mad, and I’m sorry. C
lint cornered me, asking about you, and he got me kinda flustered. I blush easy, and he jumped to a conclusion.”

  Mike huffed. “The right conclusion, as it happens.”

  “Her hoof looks really good,” Seth said quietly.

  “Yeah, it’s healed up nicely. We can dispense with the pad and you can take her for a short walk.”

  “Will you…will you walk with me?”

  “I suppose I better.” Mike smiled wryly. “Just to make sure she’s a hundred percent, of course.”

  Seth leaned in and kissed Mike’s cheek. “I want more too, Mike. I’d hate like hell to think I’ve messed things up between us.”

  “You haven’t.” Mike stroked Seth’s face gently. “I’m being overly sensitive about Clint’s remark, is all. A tendency of mine to worry too much about what other people might think.”

  “Well, if it’s any consolation, Clint isn’t a gossip, just a tease.”

  They stood up together in each other’s arms and Seth was never one to waste an opportunity. He kissed Mike’s lips and murmured with pleasure when his kiss was returned, Mike’s lips parting to let him in, turning what might have been a casual kiss into one laced with passion.

  The sound of voices outside the stable had them stepping back from each other with rueful chuckles. “Sounds like Parker and Andy,” Seth whispered.

  “Just as well,” Mike whispered back. “Don’t think Bonney would approve of us making out in her stall.” He slipped past Seth, who took Bonney’s halter off the wall and got her ready for her walk.

  “Hi, Mike.” Parker’s cheerful greeting was followed by Andy’s more solemn but still welcoming tone.

  “Hi, Parker, Andy…you’ll be glad to know Bonney’s totally healed. Seth’s gonna take her out for a gentle walk. Should be good for riding tomorrow.”

  “Great.” Parker high-fived Mike. “Thanks for taking such good care of her. How’d you enjoy the barbecue Friday night?”

  “Enjoyed it very much. Thanks for inviting me.”

  “Any time. We have one every Friday, so you’re more than welcome to just show up any time you feel like it.”

  They stepped aside so that Seth could lead Bonney out of her stall. “I’ll just walk with her a bit, make sure she’s okay,” Mike said.

  “Sure.” Parker winked at him. “Take care now.”

  “Parker winked at me,” Mike whispered as he and Seth walked toward the pasture.

  Seth chuckled. “He’s another tease, only he’s the boss so I can’t call him out for it.” He glanced down at Bonney’s left hoof. “She seems to be doin’ real well.”

  “Yeah, she’s fine.”

  “Think we can let her loose in the corral?”

  “Why not? She’ll enjoy the freedom after being cooped up in her stall all week.” He put his hand over Seth’s on the lead rope. “What are you doing tomorrow?”

  “Sunday, so I’m scheduled for the morning shift showing the new guys how to use a lasso from a horse. I’m free from about three on.”

  “Would you like to take in a movie with me? Get something to eat before or after?”

  “This would be our first date, right?”

  “Right. What d’you say?”

  “I say, yes…and thank you for asking me out.” Seth laughed softly. “Hope I don’t sound too eager.”

  “I like you eager. Okay, so I’ll call you tomorrow and fix a time.” They had reached the corral and they stood for a little time after Seth had removed the halter, watching Bonney trot around the perimeter, shaking her head from time to time with the obvious pleasure of being pain-free again.

  Mike glanced at his watch. “I have to go. I’m meeting Doc and Mrs. Walker for dinner.” He patted Seth’s back. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Seth smiled. “I’m looking forward to it. You pick the movie. I like most things.”

  Mike returned his smile. “Good to hear.”

  * * * *

  Mike’s cell chimed while he was driving back to Doc. Walker’s house. He didn’t recognize the number but took the call anyway on his Bluetooth.

  “Doctor Henry.”

  “Doctor Henry…”

  The hair on the back of Mike’s neck rose at the sound of a voice he’d hoped to never hear again. How in hell did he get my number? For a moment he was tempted to hang up, but then he figured best to get this over, whatever this was.

  “What do you want, Victor?”

  “You know perfectly well what I want, Michael. You, always you, only you.”

  “Oh, yeah? What about all the guys you were fucking behind my back? Wanting me, only me, hints at a certain pledge of monogamy in my book. Something you know nothing about. Now, what do you want?”

  “We have unfinished business, Michael. You ran away from me. I don’t like that. I told you that if you ever left me, I would find you no matter where you are, and I have…found you.”

  “All you have is a phone number.”

  “With an area code that tells me you are in Sacramento or thereabouts. Tell me, how many Doctor Michael Henrys, veterinarian supreme, can there be that I can’t eventually track you down?”

  Mike shuddered at the implication. At least the fucker couldn’t find his address or where he was working while he stayed at Doc. Walker’s. It was too soon for the doc to have added his name to the practice, and Denton wasn’t Sacramento.

  “And when I do find you, Michael,” Victor continued, “as you are well aware, there must be punishment for running from me. I have a new flogger with your name on it for that very purpose.”

  “You are one sick individual, Victor. Do you really think I’d consider coming back to you after what you just said?”

  “I told you once before, Michael, that you and I are destined for each other. No one else will do.”

  “And yet you were happy to fuck around with any one of your BDSM buddies who crossed your path. Destiny isn’t a one-way street, Victor. It involves promises made by two, promises that shouldn’t be so damned easily broken for the sake of having someone you could use a whip on to your heart’s content!”

  “You always were the one with stars in his eyes.”

  “No, I was the one who loved you and gave you a promise I kept even though it meant nothing to you. Now you think you can come waltzing back into my life, making threats, trying to get in the way of my life, again. Maybe this time I will take out a restraining order. And you what? I hope you ignore it, so I can see your sorry ass thrown into jail.”

  “My, my, grow a pair, did you, Michael?”

  “Go to hell,” Mike snapped and cut the call. His phone rang again immediately but he didn’t connect. “Damn…” The memory of his stupidity and Victor Torrens’ abuse came flooding back with sickening clarity. The high he’d been riding after leaving Seth with the prospect of a movie date came crashing down. How was it possible that one man could so easily throw him into a state of depression and anxiety? He’d been sure that getting away, making a new start, would be the answer to forgetting the past, forgetting Victor. But now, there it was building inside him, the panic that the man’s name, his voice, his menacing tone could instill within him.

  Come on, man up, Mike… You’re not a wimp, not a coward. You can tell him to get lost—and mean it. Just show him once and for all that he is no longer a part of your life.

  He’d thought about taking out a restraining order during the time he was still in Seattle, but that had struck him as weak. Hated the idea that people would think he couldn’t look out for himself. And there was the added fear that Victor would take it out on his friends or, God forbid, his mother. Just like he’d told Seth, Victor had the height and weight advantage and had no compunction about striking out when he was angry. Mike had the bruises to prove it. Bruises that had faded with time, but the memory of the pain was still sharply etched in his mind. Especially after he’d struck back with a lucky punch that had put Victor on his ass, the look of bewilderment on his face morphing into uncontrollable rage in a na
nosecond. It had taken a visit to the local hospital to have his broken rib strapped up for Mike to realize that there was no future for him and Victor. No amount of apologies could erase the very real fear that Victor was capable of violence that might eventually disable or even kill Mike.

  Maybe he should call Seth and cancel their date for tomorrow night. He had no doubt Seth could look after himself, but Mike wasn’t about to put the cowboy in any kind of danger if Victor was successful in tracking him down. A ragged sigh of despair escaped him. Should I just keep driving? Disappear again? Head south to Los Angeles? An even bigger city I can get lost in more easily?

  But dammit, he liked it here. He liked working for Doc. Walker. Liked the people he’d met so far. Liked Seth. He’d even begun to hope for a deeper friendship with the amiable, attractive and sexy cowboy…and now this. Victor Torrens out to make a wreck of Mike’s life, again.

  Well, not this time, Victor, not this time. He pulled onto the Walkers’ driveway and flung himself out of the car. No, tomorrow he’d turn in this rental and go find himself a car of his own. He’d make a stand and if that bastard showed up, he’d deal with him once and for all. No matter what it took.

  Chapter Seven

  “Everything all right?”

  Mike startled, not so much from the question, but from the touch of Seth’s lips when he whispered in his ear.

  “Uh, yeah, everything’s fine.” But it wasn’t, not really. The entire time he and Seth had been together, Mike had been searching the crowds on the streets of Sacramento and in the diner where they’d had a burger, for a glimpse of Victor. He was certain that the man had already discovered his whereabouts and was even now watching them from some shadowed doorway. Or was he just being paranoid? Regardless, he could swear they were being watched. No matter that his constant scanning of the streets and the crowds revealed nothing.

  “You seem jumpy. Sure you’re okay?”

  “Yeah, sorry.” Mike sighed with frustration. “Guess it’s best I tell you that I had a disconcerting phone call yesterday after I left you at the Seven Plus. It sorta killed some of the joy I was feeling, looking forward to our first date.”